Birthday bandit busted

NICOLE NORRIS | The Greenville Standard

According to Chief David Scruggs of Georgiana Police Department, Tashaun Mack, 26, will be spending his birthday in the Butler County Jail. Mack was arrested last Thursday and charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree theft of property and criminal mischief.

While on routine patrol Officer Greg Wepzel heard an alarm going off at the Z Tec on Palmer Avenue. Once on the scene Officer Wepzel observed the front window to the business was shattered. Wepzel made his way inside where he noticed a coin operated machine was busted.

After watching surveillance videos investigators were unable to identify the suspect. A witness came forward and said they carried the suspect to Linda Avenue in Greenville. When officers arrived on Linda Avenue, the suspect ran several blocks to Hickory Street where he climbed through the window of a county owned building.

Chief Scruggs said, “Thanks to the public this case was solved within hours. This is the second case solved within 24 hours. My officers have done excellent police work. I would also like to thank Greenville Police Department, Pardons and Parole, Drug Task Force and the Sheriff’s Department for assisting in this case.”

Georgiana Mayor Jerome Antone said, “I would like to thank our police for being so diligent and solving this case so quickly.”

Mack is also being charged with burglary for breaking into the county owned building.